Case Study: Delivering Large-Scale Global Firewall Upgrades with Importer of Record (IOR) Services
Released On 22nd Sep 2025
Quick overview
- Industry: IT Reseller and Global Logistics Provider, supporting a leading international retail brand
- Project Scope: Delivery of thousands of network firewalls to 78+ countries over 2 years
- Challenge: Retailer required a single Importer of Record (IOR) to avoid compliance issues and taxation risks across multiple countries
- Solution: Mouse & Bear provided end-to-end IOR services, export licensing, customs clearance, and duty/tax management
- Impact: Seamless delivery of high-value IT equipment ($10k–$500k per shipment), ensuring contract success and strengthening long-term partnerships
The challenge
A global logistics provider, working with a leading IT reseller and an international retail giant, had secured a major contract to deliver thousands of firewalls worldwide as part of a two-year global network upgrade programme.
While the logistics provider could manage the physical transport of goods, the project needed Importer of Record (IOR) services in more than 78 countries. The retailer had made it clear that their local entities should not act as importers, owing to their limited import compliance knowledge and concerns about asset taxation.
Without a trusted IOR partner, the contract risked serious delays, unexpected costs, and potential non-compliance penalties – jeopardising the entire project and client relationship.
Our solution
Mouse & Bear partnered with the logistics provider to deliver a comprehensive IOR service, covering every stage of the process:
- Pre-shipment checks and export licensing to ensure compliance with international regulations.
- Customs clearance and documentation management for each shipment.
- Payment of taxes and duties in all 78+ destination countries.
- Last-mile delivery coordination to ensure firewalls reached each retail site on time.
- Proactive communication: Every shipment was assessed for import requirements, tariff implications, and cost transparency before dispatch, reducing the risk of unexpected charges.
The results
- Global contract secured: Thousands of firewall units were delivered successfully across 78+ countries.
- High-value shipments protected: Our customer’s equipment, worth between $10,000 and $500,000 in each shipment, was moved without incident.
- Stronger business relationships:
- The retail giant gained confidence in its IT reseller’s ability to deliver a turnkey solution.
- The logistics provider built long-term trust by ensuring smooth, compliant cross-border operations.
- Ongoing collaboration: Mouse & Bear is happy to say that we continue to successfully manage IOR services for each new shipment.
Why It Matters
For large-scale IT infrastructure projects, especially those involving firewalls and network security equipment, the risks of non-compliance with international trade regulations can be significant. Retailers often prefer not to act as importers, which makes a reliable Importer of Record partner essential.
By managing the entire compliance and customs process across 78+ countries, Mouse & Bear enabled both the logistics provider and the retailer to focus on what they do best – delivering secure IT solutions globally, without delays or unexpected costs.
Scale your global IT projects
If you’re an IT reseller, logistics provider, or enterprise brand planning international deployments, Mouse & Bear can ensure compliance, manage IOR/EOR requirements, and deliver your equipment worldwide with confidence.
Contact us today to discuss your global project needs.
Category: Case-Studies